Poland

Poland runs from the Baltic to the Tatras: a large Central European country of historic cities, lively food and quick links from Ukraine. In Warsaw, boulevards line the Vistula, the UNESCO-listed Old Town meets Castle Square and the Royal Castle, and the Royal Route follows Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat to Łazienki Park, its Palace on the Isle, and Wilanów. Add the Copernicus Science Centre, Grand Theatre opera, museums, modern architecture and dining.

Kraków’s UNESCO-listed Old Town centres on the Main Square, its Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica; Wawel’s royal castle overlooks the Vistula, Kazimierz has cafés and galleries, and the Planty ring the centre. Wieliczka Salt Mine is near, Zakopane and the Tatras a day trip away. The Baltic Tricity links Gdańsk’s Main Town and Long Market, Sopot’s pier and beaches and Gdynia’s seafront, plus the Hel Peninsula; the Masurian Lake District, Wrocław and Toruń also beckon. Expect pierogi, żurek, Tatra oscypek, Kraków obwarzanek, pastries, Polish vodka and inventive modern restaurants.

Temperate Poland has warm summers, usually 20–25 °C by day, and cold winters around freezing. Late spring to early autumn suits cities and coast, high summer the Baltic beaches, winter the Tatras and Christmas markets. It suits couples, city breaks, culture, architecture and food lovers, spa stays and Baltic summers; Warsaw and Kraków pair by fast train.